The Premier League continues this Saturday as West Brom travel to the Liberty Stadium to take on a Swans side that are brimming with confidence after taking the full compliment of three points from both their opening Premier League fixtures.
Garry Monk will be rather pleased with his sides start to the season as they sit joint top of the league, albeit for probably a limited amount of time. Saturday will be a real litmus test for the Welsh side however as their two victories came against newly promoted Burnley and a Manchester United side who, even under new manager Louis Van Gaal, are looking a mere shadow of their former selves. The Swans will then be hoping to prove that they are able to compete consistently week in week out and to surpass last season where at times relegation looked a genuine possibility.
West Brom’s new manager Alan Irvine will be hoping his side can continue their own unbeaten run in the league but also that their trip to the Liberty will see them leave with all three points for the first time in their campaign. After finishing in 17th last season, only one place above the relegation zone, it will be vital for The Baggies to turn their draws into three points as regularly as possible.
The Swans have no new injury worries ahead of the clash with long-term absentee’s Emnes (Hip) , Donnoly (Groin) and Leon Britton (Groin) all sidelined for the foreseeable future. The only changes to the Welsh team will come in the form of none enforced tactical changes, this could mean debuts for £8 million pound signing Federico Fernandez and on loan Spurs midfielder Tom Carroll.
The Baggies are without left back Sebastien Pocognoli (Thigh) and new arrival Joleon Lescott (Knee Injury) who won’t be fit to start until mid September. Victor Anichebe (Groin) will face a late fitness test and is expected to start on the bench. New signings Georgios Samaras and Silvestre Varela will be unavailable for selection as they will be allowed the international break to reach full fitness.
Stats (OPTA)
Swansea have claimed 3 points in 5 of the last 8 meetings between the two sides.
West Brom last won a Premier League match on 26th April.
The Baggies drew 15 games against Premier League opposition, more than any other side in the League.
Wilfred Bony has netted 10 goals in his last 20 league games, that’s 7 more goals than any other player at both clubs has managed in the same time period.
League Form
Swansea: WW
WBA: DD
Possible starting lineups
Swansea: Fabianski; Rangel, Williams, Amat, Taylor; Ki, Carroll; Routledge, Dyer, Sigurdsson; Bony
WBA: Foster; Wisdom, Dawson, Olsson, Davidson; Dorrans, Gardner, Brunt, Mulumbu; Berahino, Ideye
Prediction: This game could really go either way with both teams hoping to successfully avoid relagation earlier this year than was achieved last season. Both sides tend to struggle for goals around the park so don’t expect a high scoring game. It'll be a tight affair where the in form Bony will ultimately be the difference. 1-0 Swansea.